Hobbies And Interests
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are small- to medium-sized spiders from the Salticidae family. What makes these arachnids so interesting is their method of obtaining food. Jumping spiders do not catch their prey in a spun web as most spiders do. Instead, this spider pounces (jumps) on insects and other small spiders. Jumping spiders are black with a few red or orange dots on the underside of the abdomen. They have a short body and short, stout legs making them capable of jumping distances of up to 40 times their own body length.
House Spiders
The common house spider, Theridiidae, also inhabits parts of Kansas. House spiders are small being only 1/2 inch or shorter, and because these spiders are typically associated with people, they are termed "synanthropic." Unlike more recognizable types of spiders, this inhabitant of Kansas is plain pale-yellow tan, grey or brown with no distinct markings and builds its webs inside buildings. Kansas has five species of house spiders that bite.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are from the Lycosidae family and are commonly referred to as ground spiders. Wolf spiders prefer to live outdoors, but will inhabit basements and similar types of surroundings. Wolf spiders can be identified by the long stripe or pattern on the first body section (cephlathorax). These spiders are generally solid dark brown and large. As of 2011, the Kauai cave wolf spider is endangered.
Daddy-Long-Legs
Two families of daddy-long-legs inhabit Kansas. The Pholcidae includes the common cellar dweller with long spindle legs and is found in cool dark places such as barns and damp warehouses. The Phalangiidae looks similar to the cellar daddy-long-legs, but is not considered a true spider. This member of the spider family feeds on plant juices and only occasionally on insects.